Egyptian Army Chief Urges Friday Protests Against Violence

Egypt's army chief Abdel Fattah el-Sissi is calling for mass rallies Friday to give the military a mandate to confront what he called "violence and terrorism."

He made the appeal during a televised speech Wednesday.

Egypt has seen weeks of turmoil and deadly clashes following the military's ouster of President Mohamed Morsi.

The army installed an interim government aimed at amending the country's constitution and holding new parliamentary and presidential elections, but supporters of Mr. Morsi have rejected the new body and continued to call for his reinstatement.

The violence continued Wednesday with an explosion at a Nile Delta police station, which killed one person and wounded at least 18 others.

Security officials say the blast in Mansoura, about 100 kilometers north of Cairo, happened when unknown assailants threw a bomb from a car.

A spokesman for interim President Adly Mansour said the bombing was an act of terrorism, but "will not waver Egypt's resolve."

The pro-Morsi Muslim Brotherhood says two protesters were also killed Wednesday at a march in Cairo backing the ousted leader.

Violence also broke out Tuesday near a sit-in by Morsi supporters at Cairo University, leaving nine people dead. The Brotherhood accused opponents of Mr. Morsi of attacking a peaceful protest, while police said the protesters started the fighting.

Clashes between the two sides on Monday killed another four people.

Mr. Mansour has appealed for calm, saying reconciliation is necessary for the country to move forward.

The army has kept Mr. Morsi under house arrest since he was toppled on July 3. His family says they have had no contact with him since his arrest and are threatening legal action to free him